By Dennis McCaslin,Editor and publisher of Today in Fort Smith
The landscapes of Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma are dotted with countless cemeteries, some of which are among the oldest in the region.
These burial grounds serve as solemn reminders of the area's rich history, offering a window into the lives of those who helped shape the frontier. From forgotten pioneer graves to well-preserved historic sites, these cemeteries tell the stories of generations past.
One of the oldest and most historically significant cemeteries in Arkansas is the Mount Holly Cemetery in Little Rock, established in 1843. Often referred to as the "Westminster Abbey of Arkansas,"
Mount Holly is the final resting place for many of the state’s most prominent figures, including governors, senators, and military leaders.
The cemetery’s carefully maintained grounds and elaborate monuments reflect the history of Arkansas from its early statehood to the present day.
other notable cemetery in Arkansas is the Pyeatte-Moore Cemetery, located in the small town of Huntsville. Established in the early 1800s, this burial ground is one of the oldest in the state. It contains the graves of early settlers, many of whom played crucial roles in the development of the region.
The cemetery is known for its simplicity, with many of the original hand-carved headstones still standing, weathered by time but resilient in their testimony to the past.
In western Arkansas, the Fort Smith National Cemetery stands out not only for its age but for its significance in American history. Established in 1867, the cemetery is the final resting place for Union soldiers who died during the Civil War, as well as veterans of every subsequent American conflict.
The rows of uniform headstones and the cemetery’s peaceful setting serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served their country.
The Fort Smith National Cemetery is the home of the final resting place pog the Infamous "Hanging Judge" Issac C. Parker among other notables.
Also in Fort Smith, Oak Cemetery is recognized as a National Historic Landmark based on over 152 years of documented history.
The oldest monument, dated 1842, the same year Fort Smith was incorporated, marks the grave of Captain Gookin.
The thirty-acre facility is under the perpetual care of the City of Fort Smith's Parks and Recreation Department.
Many notables are buried in this massive cemetery, including a number of US Deputy Marshals, former Arkansas Governor William Fishback (1833-1895); Captain John Rogers, founder of the city; Jennie Reeves, wife of famed peace officer Bass Reeves; and Arthur Erback, husband of Pearl Starr.
Many of these "residents" of the historic Stone Garden have been subjects of feature stories on Today in Fort Smith.
Crossing into eastern Oklahoma, one finds equally historic cemeteries that reflect the region’s complex and often turbulent history.
One of the closest hallowed grounds geographically to Fort Smith is the Choctaw Nation Skullyville Cemetery located just north of Spiro.
The founding of Skullyville. dates back to the year 1832 when the removal of the Choctaws to their new home was in full progress.
The old cemetery has all the interest usually attached to these ancient places. Early on, our People used rocks or stones To mark their loved ones grave Sites.
Headstones date date back o the early 1830's and document the final resting places of numerous figures invoked in the settlement and history of the native American relocation to the the region.
The Choctaw Nation’s Capitol Cemetery, located in Tuskahoma, is one such site. Established in the late 19th century, this cemetery contains the graves of many Choctaw leaders and citizens, including several chiefs who played pivotal roles in the tribe’s history.
The cemetery stands as a testament to the resilience of the Choctaw people and their enduring presence in the region.
In Tahlequah, the capital of the Cherokee Nation, the Tahlequah City Cemetery is another site of great historical importance.
Dating back to the mid-1800s, the cemetery contains the graves of many notable Cherokee figures, including politicians, educators, and veterans. The cemetery also reflects the broader history of the Cherokee Nation, from the Trail of Tears to the tribe’s recovery and revitalization in Indian Territory.
One of the oldest cemeteries in eastern Oklahoma is the Fort Gibson National Cemetery, established in 1868. Like its counterpart in Fort Smith, this cemetery is the final resting place for many soldiers who served in the Civil War and other conflicts. The cemetery’s history is closely tied to Fort Gibson, one of the oldest military installations in the state, which played a critical role in the Indian Territory during the 19th century.
These cemeteries, scattered across Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma, are more than just burial grounds; they are silent guardians of history, preserving the memories of those who came before us.
Each headstone, each grave marker, tells a story—of pioneers who braved the frontier, of Native American leaders who fought to preserve their way of life, of soldiers who gave their lives in service to their country.
As we continue to move forward, it is important to remember and honor these sites. They offer us not only a connection to the past but also a deeper understanding of the lives and sacrifices that have shaped the world we live in today.
The preservation of these historic cemeteries is essential to ensuring that the stories they hold are not lost to time, but continue to educate and inspire future generations.
